Descriptions

Relatively delicate, nettle-like plants with very small corollas, which readily marks the species.

Correll and Johnston (1970) did not account for this name in their treatment of the genus for Texas, referring such plants to S. crenata. As noted by Mulligan and Munro (1989), the latter name is poorly described, cannot be typified and its application is moot.

According to Nelson (1981), this species shows evidence of having extended its range over much of the southeastern U.S. during the past 50 years or so, mainly through nursery or ornamental greenhouse activites. The tubers are also reportedly eaten as "pickles" over parts of its range, and a closely related Asiatic species, S. affinis, is said to be cultivated for its tubers and given the common name "Chinese artichokes". This is discussed in more detail by Shinners (Castanea 28: 44-46. 1963).

Named for the state of Florida, where first collected.

STACHYS GRAHAMII Benth., Lab. Gen. et Sp. 551. 1834.

Known to Texas by a single introduction to "Turtle Bay Peninsula", Aransas Co. (B. C. Tharp 1405, TEX) where collected in the summer of 1922. Subsequent collections have not been made, although the species is also reportedly introduced elsewhere in the U.S.A. as a waif, nearly always in coastal habitats. Correll and Johnston exclude the taxon from their treatment.

Named for Robert Graham (1819-1845) early collector in Mexico where the species was first collected.

STACHYS TENUIFOLIA Willd., Sp. Pl. 3: 100. 1800.

THIN-LEAF STACHYS

Southeastern U.S.A. westwards to easternmost Texas, Jul-Nov.

Annual herbs to 60 cm high; among Texas species readily distinguished by its nearly glabrous stems and foliage. Nelson (1981) recognized 3 varieties under this taxon; ours belongs to the var. TENUIFOLIA.